Risk Factors for Esophageal Cancer

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to develop esophageal cancer with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing esophageal cancer. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your healthcare provider what you can do to reduce your risk.

Risk factors for esophageal cancer include the following:

Smoking

Moderate smoking, by itself, does not greatly increase the risk of esophageal cancer, but it does promote many other diseases including several other cancers.
Heavy smoking
, particularly of black tobacco, a term of interest primarily to pipe smokers, at least doubles your risk of esophageal cancer.

Medical Conditions

Gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD)—This occurs when gastric acid, food, and liquid from the stomach chronically flow up into the esophagus. GERD causes a 40-fold increase in the risk of adenocarcinoma.

Barrett’s esophagus
—Barrett’s esophagus occurs when the squamous cells in the lower esophagus are exposed to acid from the stomach due to acid reflux. The acid causes the cells to change from squamous cells, which are flat, to cells shaped like columns. These column-shaped cells are the hallmark of Barrett’s esophagus and can eventually become an adenocarcinoma.

Achalasia
—This is a relatively rare disorder of the smooth muscle of the esophagus that makes it difficult for food and liquid to pass through the esophagus and into the stomach. Achalasia causes a 15-fold increase in cancer risk, most likely due to the irritation from food retained in the esophagus.

Human papilloma virus
(HPV) infection—HPV can cause normal cells to become abnormal. HPV infection has been linked to increased risk of several cancers. There is increasing evidence that HPV infection may play a role in esophageal cancer risk as well.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.